Interstate Touring Bikes
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
well, not really, the chassis, drivetrain etc is all the same model to model ( within same model year). some have lowered rear by 1", that would be the only diff in suspension
the fairing design is HUGE at that kinda speed. the batwing fairing will unload the front end at high speed, traction is reduced...this can get tricky in sudden crosswind gusts.
the fork mounted fairing can turn gusts to "steering input", and traction is maybe not optimal because of the fairing "lift".
klockworks has claimed their windscreen helps counteract this- I dunno.
a sharknose may be smarter.
the frame mounted fairing reacts very differently to crosswinds/gust and i don't think the fairing unloads the front like the batwing--- and I have ridden those speeds sustained on one
( I ride a batwing- a rarely creep over 80 and I like other aspects of the batwing over the shark.
at this point I've figured out that fewer fuel stops make for a quicker overall trip, so a lower speed may get you there quicker)
Mike
the fairing design is HUGE at that kinda speed. the batwing fairing will unload the front end at high speed, traction is reduced...this can get tricky in sudden crosswind gusts.
the fork mounted fairing can turn gusts to "steering input", and traction is maybe not optimal because of the fairing "lift".
klockworks has claimed their windscreen helps counteract this- I dunno.
a sharknose may be smarter.
the frame mounted fairing reacts very differently to crosswinds/gust and i don't think the fairing unloads the front like the batwing--- and I have ridden those speeds sustained on one
( I ride a batwing- a rarely creep over 80 and I like other aspects of the batwing over the shark.
at this point I've figured out that fewer fuel stops make for a quicker overall trip, so a lower speed may get you there quicker)
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jul 6, 2013 at 04:37 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
I have a batwing but at 90mph all day you might as well get a roadglide as others have said. Though 90 seems a tad extreme, not sure of what your background is on bikes but at that speed might as well get a crotch rocket & some good leathers. 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 9
cruise control kicks out at 90...low 80's with a batwing is fast enough for this old fart. your gas mileage is really going to suck at 90+...plus johnny law does not take kindly to any one going that fast over the speed limit.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 279
From: North Cental Iowa
I'd go with a Roadglide, if only for the gas mileage. I switched my previous bike from a batwing to a sharknose & gained 2-3 mpg on average with no other changes. I also gained 5-8 mph top speed, the batwing gives good protection from the elements, but as for aero it's a big barn door. I'm guessing at 90+ you'll gain at least 5 mpg.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
There are certainly advantages to the Shark. Not having the weight of the fairing on the forks is the biggest one. The problem with it is that it's so far out front, the airflow around it converges right where your passenger's head is, causing a ton of buffeting. This can be somewhat mitigated with various baffles and windshields, but your backseater will never have the same serene ride (s)he gets on a Batwing.
We're it not for the fact that I ride 2-up so often, I would have bought a Roadie, no doubt about it.
We're it not for the fact that I ride 2-up so often, I would have bought a Roadie, no doubt about it.